Aquatics Programs

The Town of Oakville offers lessons according to the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program.

Age guidelines

• Children must be the age required for the level they are taking by the program start date.
• Children who are five years-old do not need to complete all preschool levels before moving to the Swimmer programs.
• Children who have completed the Preschool E and who are five years old should enrol in Swimmer 2.

How to become a Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor

The following Aquatics Leadership and First Aid courses must be completed successfully to qualify for a range of aquatics positions:

• Bronze Star – completed Swimmer 10 (Star Patrol) recommended
• Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid – minimum age 13 or Bronze Star required
• Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid – Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid required
• Swim and Lifesaving Instructors with High Five – minimum age 15 and Bronze Cross at course start required
• National Lifeguard (NL) – minimum age 15 with Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid at course start required

Download the Aquatics Leadership Ladder (pdf).

Re-certification

Re-certification courses include Bronze Cross Challenge Exam (ages 13+), Standard First Aid and CPR C/AED Re-certification (ages 14+), and NLS Re-certification (ages 16+).

Your original award card must be shown to the examiner to participate in the re-certification test.

Challenge exams

The Bronze Medallion Challenge Exam (ages 13+) is for Bronze Medallion candidates who need to re-certify their award, or for swimmers who are looking to challenge the exam as a self-presented candidate.

• Re-certification candidates must bring their original certification card
• Challenge candidates must bring proof of course prerequisites: Bronze Star award or proof of age (candidate must be 13 years or older on exam date).

The Bronze Cross Challenge Exam is for Bronze Cross candidates who need to re-certify their award, or for swimmers who are looking to challenge the exam as a self-presented candidate.

• Re-certification candidates must bring their original certification card
• Challenge candidates must bring proof of course prerequisites: Bronze Medallion award and Emergency First Aid with CPR (Level B).

Aquatics Leadership Development courses

The following courses are offered to help participants develop their leadership skills but are not prerequisites.

Lifesaving Fitness (ages 13-16)

Focuses on speed, endurance, and flexibility as you work towards achieving bronze, silver, and gold awards in a variety of skill items. Includes 25-metre sprints, 200-metre timed swims, tows, and treading water with a 10-lb. brick.

Pre Bronze Skill Session (ages 13+)

For swimmers who are looking for extra practice on their water skills. Focuses on timed swims, lifesaving kicks, rescue techniques, and spinal rollovers. Candidates work in pairs and on their own. Bronze Star is a prerequisite.

If you have completed Bronze Cross and are waiting to take your National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification, Pre N.L.S. (ages 14+) will reinforce the water rescue skills learned in Bronze Cross and introduce new skills that will be part of the NLS program. You'll work in pairs and on your own. Prerequisite: Bronze Cross.

If you would like to register for a program, visit our Registered Programs page.

Lifesaving Society’s Canadian Swim to Survive standard defines the essential minimum skills required to survive an unexpected fall into deep water.

Swim to Survive programs

Swim to Survive classes are provided as part of the Grade 3 public school and the Grade 4 Catholic school curriculum. Students are bused to a Town of Oakville pool for three in-water lessons focusing on the sequence of three skills: roll into deep water; tread water for one-minute; and swim 50 metres.

Fees are subject to grant funding. Please call for rates.

Swim to Survive Plus

Swim to Survive Plus builds on the skills taught in Swim to Survive®. Geared toward presenting real-life situations for students in Grade 7, participants will learn:

• How to roll, tread and swim with clothes on.
• How to help a friend in deep water without putting themselves in danger (talk, reach, throw).
• Basic physical fitness concepts through interval training and a fitness swim.

Fees are subject to grant funding. Please call for rates.

Pool rentals and programs for schools

Pool rental and programs can be created for Grades 1 through 12. We offer lessons, water safety or fun swim programs based on interest and skill level. Email bookafacility@oakville.ca or visit the Facility Rentals page for details.

Contact

Email swimtosurvive@oakville.ca or call 905-845-6601, ext. 3466.

For information about things you should know before attending your course, visit the Program Guidelines page.